Born to rule ('Born to be a slave' sequel)

41

I missed Edmund and for the whole night, I was trying to get my courage back for today when I finally go and meet him. Nonetheless, my heart is pounding just thinking about the encounter. We have split so far apart just in mere days.

The hunger is evident this morning too, but the nauseous feeling is keeping me from getting up and devouring the breakfast that awaits me in the kitchen. I sigh heavily. What is happening to me? The last couple of days have been horrible as if the sickness is trying to get hold of my body. Maybe it's the constant worries and anxiety that is causing the problems?

I get dressed and decide not to wear a corset today. I need air and I am not planning to venture outside anyway. Another moment of breath makes me realize I need to visit a bathroom. The sickening feeling comes in waves until I end up throwing up my nonexisting stomach contents in the pot. At that moment a knock on a door disturbs me and a young maid peeks through, her young face showing concern.

"Are you alright, majesty?"

"Yes, nothing to worry about."

"Should I call a doctor? You look a little bit pale... ."

"No. It's just the symptoms of anxiety."

I gave her an annoyed look and she stopped probing my well being. I didn't need extra attention after the crazy days left behind. I felt well.

"What it is you wanted?"

"Uhmm... Our king wants you by the breakfast table today."

It sounded odd, but my intention was to see him anyway. Only the sudden invitation from his part surprised me. What it is he wants from me? I hope nothing that would make my day worse.

"I was going there anyway. Tell him I am coming."

I washed my face and hands and with a soft towel whipped my face. In a mirror, I could not see any change that would suggest my health was causing problems, as the maid said. My skin has always been light, almost pale. She probably is worrying about nothing.

As I walk through the archway leading to a dining room, my gaze reaches the whole family sitting by the richly covered table with fresh foods. Edmund's mother is sitting in her usual place as well as his father. Nothing seems out of ordinary only the expression Edmund holds. As if it would be his everyday face, Edmund's brows are creased forming deep, angry ridges. I had not seen this expression change lately. My heart is aching in pain.

With slow and subtle steps I approach them. First, his mother's eyes reach me boring deep inside my soul, but with one glance from Edmund, she takes her sight to the plate in front of her.

Like a thunder, my husband's voice boomed in the room making me jump inwardly.

"Just say a word and you will regret it!"

She stayed silent, but my heart was picking up the speed seeing Edmund in a bad mood once again.

Finally, he looked at me.

"Sit down."

Surprisingly his voice was calm. It made my heart ease a bit too. I didn't want to talk to him, waiting for a much calmer moment was my goal. With the sight of his parents, he seemed like an ignited bomb ready to blow up at any minute.

We were silent, not looking at each other or saying a single word. It pained me to see my family in this state, so broken and cold. Even I could not do anything to make things better, to brighten the mood of Edmund.

The parents left us, but we stayed silent for another moment. It felt hard to find the right words to start the conversation. His expression hasn't changed.

"I missed you these days."

His voice was so calm, almost deceiving, comparing to the features on his face. Hearing Edmund made me sad and I desperately wanted to be in his arms, hug him.

I felt a tear roll down my cheek. "Edmund, what is going on? You know, you are breaking my heart."

"I don't want to be rude, Thea, but it's not your business. It's all political matters. I don't want to draw you in the matters of this country too much." Edmund's glassy eyes came up to mine. "Your life has been hard enough."

"But it's is not getting easier to live knowing you suffer. Let me help you somehow."

He let go of my hand, which I was holding tight. "No! That's what he is waiting for... For you to come in and he would have a chance to ruin everything."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Maria's father."

Edmund seemed to struggle to keep everything to himself. I knew he wanted to tell nothing, but to me, it was important to know, at least some part of his problems.

"Whatever it is, you should keep a cool head. Nothing good will come out of you if you keep acting upon your emotions."

"No! That's what they deserve. I no longer plan to be the soft and forgiving man I have been so far. If they want to stand in my way, they will face the consequences of their sick schemes."

"Edmund..." I could feel his temper rise.

He looked at me hard. "Even you will not change my mind."

Edmund had moved away from the table - angry and frustrated. Even though he pushed me away, I am not going to give up. He married me, we are a family and it means we have to fight together to overcome the problems if we want to be happy in the end.

My heart was trembling and aching in pain. I walked up to him and placed the soft kiss on his lips. He breathed out heavily. Looking up in his eyes I could see conflicting emotions. My warm hands hold onto his heated cheeks. I could feel my hands tremble as well.

I said quietly, almost in a whisper. "Your orders mean nothing to me. I will find a way to erase your anger. And do you know the place where you could find some peace, even if it is for a short time?"

Edmund's minted breath fanned my face.

"Huh?"

"Go to see Storm. He misses you..."